Tebas rejects Real Madrid claims of refereeing conspiracy after derby defeat
The league president says allegations of officiating bias are deflecting attention from Real Madrid’s poor start to the season.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has rejected Real Madrid’s allegations of refereeing bias after the club’s 2–1 derby defeat by Atletico Madrid, arguing that conspiracy claims obscure shortcomings on the pitch.
Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho presented printed screenshots at his post-match press conference, arguing that Atletico players Cristian Romero and Lee Kang-in should have been sent off. Atletico were reduced to 10 players five minutes after half-time.
Tebas responded to a pro-Real Madrid article by rejecting calls for officiating to reflect a club’s revenue, viewership or status. He said Real Madrid were important to La Liga, but argued that the competition belonged to all clubs, supporters and their histories.
“Claiming that referees are directed against Real Madrid is living in another galaxy,” Tebas said. He described the narrative as an excuse for shortcomings visible in the team’s opening matches.
Real Madrid are reported to be six points behind early leaders Barcelona. The club also said midfielder Federico Valverde suffered severe trauma to his left ankle during the derby and would undergo further tests.
Mourinho returned for a second spell as Real Madrid coach in the close season, with the task of ending the club’s two-year wait for a major trophy.
